This bill aims to enhance environmental protections related to hydraulic fracturing and downhole operations in New Mexico by instituting strict disclosure requirements for chemicals used in these processes. It prohibits the use of hydraulic fracturing fluids, drilling fluids, and proppants that contain per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known for their harmful environmental effects. Operators are mandated to file a downhole chemical disclosure before commencing operations, detailing the well's location, the volume of water or base fluids used, and the specific chemical additives involved, including their concentrations and chemical abstracts service numbers. The bill also requires operators to certify that no undisclosed chemicals were used in their operations.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions relevant to hydraulic fracturing, such as "base fluid," "direct vendor," "hydraulic fracturing fluid," and "operator," among others. It empowers the oil conservation commission to adopt rules to enforce these provisions and outlines penalties for non-compliance. The effective date for these regulations is set for July 1, 2025, allowing time for operators to adjust to the new requirements.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 70-2-33
EN substitute: 70-2-33